Queens Woman Dies in NYC First 2025 E-Bike Battery Fire

A 76-year-old woman tragically died after being trapped in a Queens pizzeria bathroom when an e-bike battery exploded, causing a fast-moving fire. The incident, which occurred at Singas Famous Pizza in Flushing on July 4th, marks New York City's first lithium-ion battery-related fatality of 2025. Fire officials emphasized the dangers of storing and charging e-bikes indoors, especially near exits, as these fires spread quickly and are extremely hot, making escape difficult. FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker and Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn have called for increased awareness and safety measures around e-mobility devices, noting that 2025 has already seen 122 battery-related fires, surpassing last year's numbers. The woman was rescued by firefighters but succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, while five others inside the pizzeria escaped unharmed. Authorities continue to advocate for stricter regulations and the use of certified batteries to prevent such tragedies.